The Essential Guide to NYC Cheap Eats

Are you planning a visit to NYC? Eating on the cheap will save you plenty, and there are some great places to pick up tasty food for under $10. You don’t have to pay a fortune to enjoy delicious food, so give those glitzy restaurants a miss and tuck into the bargain cuisine that’s loved by locals.

To help you find the ready-made foods that will get your taste buds begging for more, we’ve consulted reviews from NY locals and residents. We can’t possibly include all the little gems we dug up, but feel free to add your personal favorites to our list. We’ve also compiled a list of general tips and tricks – feel free to contribute!

How to Eat Out on the Cheap in NYC

Plan ahead: When planning your day, check out your dining options ahead of time. You’ll get good advice on TripAdvisor, and you can also ask around to find out where locals feel you’ll get a good deal. NYC doesn’t have to be an expensive city to visit if you know where to go!

Split the meal: Helpings are enormous! Find out if you can order portions to share. A lot of sit-down restaurants are quite happy to let you do so.

Follow the students: Spots near colleges and universities usually offer good food for lower prices. Ask the students where they like to eat out.

Try some great street food: Vans and stalls offer great street food at cheap prices.

Visit ethnic neighborhoods: There are many ethnic restaurants catering for expat New Yorkers and their descendants craving a taste of home.

Get off the main drag: Going slightly off the beaten tourist track will lead you to great places with lower prices.

Check out the delis: You can pick up a full meal for very reasonable prices at most delis.

Visit Smorgasburg market: Head for Brooklyn Bridge Park on weekends and shop your way around a great selection of food stalls.